6 Features That Are Dating Your Kitchen—And How to Fix Them

In Need of a Face-Lift

Step into a kitchen, and you can immediately guess the decade when it was last remodeled, thanks to the presence of once-trendy color schemes, outmoded appliances, and retro cabinetry. And these are just a few of the telltale signs that give away a kitchen’s age! Indeed, because a kitchen involves so much more than simply four walls, this room tends to get stuck in time more easily than others in the house.

As the heart of the home, though, the kitchen also has a lot more on the line. It is the site of family gatherings, after-school snacks, intimate weeknight meals, and elaborate holiday potlucks. So it’s no wonder that a kitchen update tops many a homeowner’s wish list. After all, who wants to invite guests into an embarrassingly outdated kitchen? Or have good memories marred by a lackluster backdrop?

Fortunately, freshening up a kitchen may not require a wholesale renovation. Some features play an outsize role in anchoring your kitchen to the past, so switching up just a few of the biggest offenders can rocket your kitchen into the present day. If you’re up for an à la carte makeover, we’ve got the scoop on which updates promise the biggest impact. Dave Lincon, Director of Product Management and Business Development for Sears Home Services, identified the features that most often date a kitchen and suggested remodeling projects—both do-it-yourself-friendly and professional—that can make it look more current. With his advice and assistance from the Sears Home Services team, you can replace or spruce up those out-of-date elements and whip up a fresh, modern look in time for the kitchen’s busiest season: the holidays.